On politics in the Golden State

Did California lawmakers ride to Lance Armstrong’s aid?

January 17, 2013 | 5:19
pm

Less than a week after the United States Anti-Doping Agency
banned cyclist Lance Armstrong for life for allegedly using
performance-enhancing drugs, 23 California lawmakers sent a letter to the state’s
two U.S. senators urging them to conduct a “comprehensive review of the
organization.”
While never mentioning Armstrong by name, the letter raises
concerns that “the USADA has unilaterally changed the rules by which athletes
who have never failed a drug test are prosecuted.”

The letter was signed by 23 state lawmakers, both Democrats
and Republicans.

“We respectfully ask that you … conduct a comprehensive
review of USADA’s operations and finances,” the letter continued.

In an interview with Times reporter Lance Pugmire, the wife
of one of Armstrong’s former teammates suggested the letter was a product of
Armstrong’s political connections aimed at destroying the reputation of his
enemies.

"He had political connections, from the president of
France trying to shut down a drug lab, to the head of the criminal division of
the Department of Justice, to those in the California Legislature who wanted to
review USADA's funding after the report,” said Betsy Andreu, wife of cyclist
Frankie Andreu.

Armstrong’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which he
reportedly confesses to doping, will air on the Oprah Winfrey Network on Thursday
and Friday.